South African Republic Paul Kruger One Pond Gold Coin (Best Value)
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Our best value Transvaal Republic 1 Pond coins are chosen randomly from our current stock. Minted in 22-carat gold, these intriguing South African coins have a fascinating history and would make an unusual addition to your portfolio.
Obverse
The famous Afrikaner president, Paul Kruger, is present on the obverse of these coins. Designed by the German medallist Otto Schultz, it has been more recently used as the obverse on gold bullion Krugerrand coins. The Dutch legend reads 'ZUID AFRIKAANSCHE REPUBLIEK', or SOUTH 'AFRICAN REPLUBLIC' in English.
Reverse
The coat of arms of the South African Republic is shown on the reverse, also designed by Otto Schultz. Outer legend reads '1 POND ⋆ 1898 ⋆' with the Dutch motto 'EENDRAGT MAAKT MAGT' on the scroll below, which translates as 'UNITY MAKES STRENGTH'.
Specification
7.98 grams of 22 carat gold. Diameter: 22.05 millimetres. AGW: 0.2354 troy ounces. Face value: £1 / One Pond.
Presentation
Issued loose in bullion condition. May show slight signs of wear, which is perfectly normal for previously circulating coins. The precious metal value isn't affected and we guarantee the coin will be the correct weight.
Buy Best Value Gold Ponds
South African Gold Ponds were issued between 1892 and 1900 and we will carefully select your coins from our available stock. Purchasing from our best value range allows us to pass on lower premiums to you, but it does mean the date of the coin can vary. If you're seeking a particular date or grade for numismatic reasons then we could have what you want in our stock: you're very welcome to contact us to see if we can help.
Our experts have checked over these coins to ensure you receive a high-quality product. We inspect all our stock to make sure they meet the expected standards, including the precious metal weight and the grade.
Although these gold Ponds are in circulated bullion condition, we guarantee you will never receive ex-jewellery mount coins. They're a perfect purchase if you're looking for interesting gold coins from around the world, but please note they're not considered as British currency so are liable for capital gains tax. But they are legally considered investment gold under current HMRC rules. That means that they are exempt from VAT for private individuals in the UK; a great advantage which makes them an incredibly attractive investment option.
All our prices are inclusive of delivery. If you would prefer to view your coins before you buy, we would be very pleased to welcome you to our premises in the charming market town of Royal Wootton Bassett.
South African Republic Pond
The Transvaal Republic, officially the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (South African Republic) was an independent Boer state that existed in what is now South Africa, from 1852 to 1902. The state was anxious to issue its own currency as opposed to using the British Pound Sterling, and its first attempt at this was the ZAR Pond in 1874. It was nicknamed the 'Burgers Pond' after its fourth President, Thomas François Burger. This currency, although adapting the same specifications and characteristics as British coins, was a distinct currency. This is best highlighted by the use of Dutch on the coinage, as seen with the term 'Pond'. However, the Burgers Pond was unpopular from the start. Allegedly the use of Burgers' portrait on the obverse gained him an unfavourable reputation with the Volksraad (Parliament). Placing his own effigy on the coins was seen as a vain and egotistical act, so they never officially circulated.
It wasn't until 1892 that the ZAR Pond was revived and became a serious alternative to Pound Sterling. The Transvaal Republic's fifth president Paul Kruger took advantage of the enormous influx of precious metals flooding into the state in the wake of the Witwatersrand Gold Rush. Kruger's Ponds were produced at a new national mint in Pretoria through the 1890s; a decade in which South Africa became a world leader in gold production and the Republic's economy boomed.
The minting of Kruger Ponds came to an end in 1900 as the Second Anglo-Boer War escalated. In the summer, Kruger's government fled their capital, gold in tow, as British forces advanced and the mint in Pretoria ceased operation. It wouldn't be until 1952 before another South African gold coin was independently minted.
Collect South African Ponds
The South African gold Pond is an attractive and historically fascinating coin, which was crafted to the exact same specification as the most influential British coin of its age: the Sovereign. Both the Pond and the Sovereign share a 22-carat crown gold composition, as well as a diameter of 22.05 millimetres and a weight of 7.98 grams.
The adaptation of these specifications wasn't without controversy. Significant debates rumbled in Kruger's government about what their new gold coin would look like. Naturally, Dutch and German representatives sought to make this gold coin as different as possible from the British equivalent, taking inspiration from the Dutch Guilder and German Mark. Ultimately, the geopolitical and economic realities of being so close to the British Empire won out, with the decision eventually taken to emulate British currency, then the sole legal currency in the nearby Cape Colony.
Who Was Otto Schultz?
Otto Schultz was born in Berlin in 1848 and trained as an engraver and medallist in that city. He spent the late 1870s in London, working under William Wyon with who he collaborated on the Great Seal of Queen Victoria. Schultz is best known for his portrait of Boer statesman, Paul Kruger, who served as the fifth president of the South African Republic. This portrait was used on contemporary Transvaal coinage and was revived for the Krugerrand, an influential South African bullion coin, first issued in 1967.
Gold Pond Mintages South Africa
Gold Ponds were minted between 1982 and 1900 inclusive. Coins in higher grades can be tricky to find as they were heavily circulated. As with most other historical gold coins, the mintages figures do not necessarily correspond to a date’s rarity, with certain dates being melted down or circulated at a higher rate than others.
| Year | Mintage |
| 1892 | 15,640 |
| 1893 | 61,926 |
| 1894 | 317,723 |
| 1895 | 336,000 |
| 1896 | 235,000 |
| 1897 | 310,980 |
| 1898 | 136,870 |
| 1899 | 130 |
| 1900 | 788,000 |
Why Buy Gold Ponds?
Gold Pond coins from South Africa are a brilliant way to diversify your investment portfolio. They were only issued for eight years and are comparatively rare compared to modern bullion coins. Here's some more reasons why gold Ponds would make a great addition to your collection:
- Collectability - These coins have low mintages compared to other coins of the same era
- Physical asset - Gold Ponds represent a physical, tangible asset. You can hold them in your hand and store them wherever you like.
- Familiarity - Gold Ponds have the same specifications as the British gold Sovereign
- Historical - These gold coins were previous circulating currency in the Transvaal Republic
- Liquid asset - Gold is in demand all around the world, and you can sell gold Ponds almost instantly without any problems
- Cost - Gold Ponds are available at competitive premiums above the live gold price
Sell Gold Pond Coins South Africa
We offer very competitive prices for gold Pond coins from South Africa. some of the best rates in the country. If you're interested in selling then have a look at our Sell Your Coins page and find out how more about the process. You're also welcome to visit our showroom in Royal Wootton Basset during working hours.
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